The Federal Government has assured Nigerians that the 2026 national budget is designed to consolidate and accelerate the positive outcomes of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu‘s ongoing economic reforms.
Okay News reports that Minister of Information and National Orientation Mohammed Idris emphasised this in an op-ed titled “A Defining Moment for Nigeria: Why Staying the Course Matters.”
The N58.18 trillion “Budget of Consolidation, Renewed Resilience and Shared Prosperity,” presented by President Tinubu in December 2025, prioritises security, infrastructure, health, and education.
Key assumptions include a $64.85 oil benchmark, 1.84 million barrels per day production, and N1,400 exchange rate.
Major allocations comprise defence (N5.41 trillion), infrastructure (N3.56 trillion), education (N3.52 trillion), and health (N2.48 trillion).
Idris described the last 31 months as a period of necessary change to end stagnation, with emerging signs of progress: expanding business activity, rising investor confidence, easing inflation, and strengthening external reserves.
He stressed these indicators lay the foundation for tangible improvements in citizens’ daily lives.
The minister highlighted direct interventions including the student loan scheme (NELFUND), Presidential CNG initiative for cheaper transport, youth programmes like LEEP, Jubilee Fellows, and 3MTT, plus efforts to tackle food insecurity through Bank of Agriculture recapitalisation and mechanisation.
Infrastructure projects such as the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, Sokoto-Badagry Expressway, AKK Gas Pipeline, and new rail developments aim to reduce costs and enhance connectivity.
On security, Idris noted strengthened recruitment, equipment, and international cooperation, citing recent rescues of abducted students in Kebbi and Niger States.
Acknowledging public fatigue, he reaffirmed commitment to faster relief delivery and transparent communication.
Idris urged Nigerians to view nation-building as shared responsibility, engage constructively, protect public assets, and reject misinformation.
He praised President Tinubu’s calm leadership and recent US engagements that bolstered bilateral ties and anti-insurgency support.
The minister pledged continued openness from his ministry in informing citizens about policies, challenges, and progress.
